CP-SYMMETRY AND ITS VIOLATION IN FUNDAMENTAL INTERACTIONS

The concept of discrete symmetries in classical and quantum physics is reviewed. An account is given of CP violation observed in the K-meson system and of other experiments where CP symmetry has been tested. Th e present theoretical ideas on CP violation within the standard model, and problems needing extension of the model are described. Finally, i deas and experimental approaches to CP violation beyond the standard m odel are reviewed in brief.